Radiant Pink Daisies

Pink Daisy Mums

It's early Spring and there have been plenty of hints that things are starting to sprout.    The buds on the trees are fatter and the rhododendron leaves are green, broad and flat (not shriveled and curled against the cold).  Even still, I haven't yet spotted a crocus - it's been cold.   That is why this gift of pink daisy mums from a good friend was so appreciated.    They immediately demanded to be put at the top of the painting queue, and so here they are in paint.  

Pumphouse

Pumphouse - Duxbury Bogs

Unless you are a person who hikes local trails regularly or studies maps, you could never imagine how many cranberry bogs dot the Southeastern portion of Massachusetts.   Many bogs are no longer active, and slowly they become bird paradise.   Those that are actively worked and harvested resemble neat weed free crimson carpets.

I love spending time there painting and if you search this blog's labels for cranberry, you will find many paintings that feature local bogs.  The reasons are many - wide open space with lots of light, nice deep red color even in winter, and the high likelihood of spotting wildlife.

This pump house sits between two bogs in Duxbury and on this December day - post cranberry harvest- there were still plenty of fruits piled up along the edges of the bog, in contrast to the deep blue sky.

Watercolors in Barbados

People on the Beach - Watercolor

I am an oil painter, and oil paint is a very forgiving medium. If I make a mistake or don't like my result, I can easily paint over the mess and mostly salvage the painting.  

Waterlilies in Watercolor

Watercolor on the other hand is, to me, the most difficult medium.   I have the utmost respect for water-colorists that can produce clean, lovely gems that look effortless.   I say all this because I brought my watercolors on vacation and  I don't have much to show for it.   

I tried hibiscus, beach people and a couple of subjects from photos I brought with me.  Shown are the "best" ones.  It was a great trip and although it was hard to face winter again, at least my oil paints are waiting for me!